II Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs

Story by Lance Cpl. James W. Clark

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Skimming over the choppy Atlantic waters off the coast of Camp Lejeune's Onslow Beach, CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters maintained a steady elevation as Marines dropped from the rear of the aircraft during a helo-casting operation, July 23.

Helo-casting is an insertion method which has Marines jump from aircraft into bodies of water with weapons, diving gear and any additional equipment they to make it to shore to accomplish their mission.

"It's an excellent insertion method when used properly and allows the Marines to be dropped stealthily into any body of water deep enough, whether it's the ocean, a river or a lake," said Staff Sgt. Anthony D. Slate, the Schools Chief for 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division.

Approximately 30 Marines participated in the training exercise during which they plunged into water approximately 500 meters from shore. The operation served as an example of a traditional reconnaissance mission.

"Its good training for a perishable skill, which recon Marines must re-qualify for on a yearly basis," said Slate, who has helo-casted approximately 20 times. "The training marks a return to the traditional role of reconnaissance Marines – who serve as a forward observation element, or a stealthy assault element."

The Marines conducted the helo-cast with the Dive Propulsion Device, a system that allows the Marines to go under water and approach the beach undetected and un-fatigued, Slate said.

The system had only been helo-casted once before, and that was by the Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based 1st Reconnaissance Battalion.

Master Sgt. Rob Achee, the battalion training chief for 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, was one of the Marines to pilot the Dive Propulsion Device after helo-casting it.

"We're developing standard operating procedures for helo-casting the DPD out at sea," Achee said. "Helo-casting in itself is a potentially dangerous operation, but with the dive propulsion device you must be cautious because you're depending on the equipment to get you to the shore and back to the extraction site."

The Reconnaissance Marines understand the risks associated with this training exercise as well as the dangers they face in their role as the forward tip of the Marine Corps' expeditionary spear.

"We dry run everything that we might be called upon to do in combat, so when you have to go on a mission and insert using this technique, you have experience doing it and you're confident in your gear and in your abilities," said Cpl. Andrew M. Simich, a reconnaissance Marine with the battalion. "The more you do it in training, the more comfortable you'll be while out on an operation."

No matter how many times Simich jumps out of helicopters, or plunges into the cold ocean to swim ashore, it still takes some getting used to.

"I honestly think its a little scary jumping out of the Helicopter and into the water like that," said Simich, who was on his 4th helo-casting exercise. "Every time I get into the bird it's exciting, but you still get that nervous feeling just before you jump."

From noon until just before sunset Marines boarded helicopters, abruptly disembarked into the ocean and swam to shore, only to do it again – hoping to make the most out the training.

For more information on the II Marine Expeditionary Force, visit the unit's web site at www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil.

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